David Michel comes to WRCA with experience as an educator and administrator for over thirty-five years. He was the founding head of school of Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH) International – Kemang Village. The school is located in the southern part of Jakarta city, and is one of several campuses that provide independent Christian education for both National Indonesian and Expatriate students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. In just over five years, David grew the IB World school from 100 to over 600 students.
David brings local understanding and international experience to our school. Prior to working in Indonesia, he worked for nine years as a music teacher, and twenty-four years as an administrator in School District No. 35 (Langley), including two years as Director of Schools, eight years as Principal of Langley Secondary School, and five and a half years as Principal of R.E. Mountain Secondary, an IB World School. His experience as former Chair of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Committee gives WRCA strong leadership as the school became a World IB Continuum school, the first Christian School in North America offering this program for all students. Today he holds many leadership roles in various organizations and has an expansive network of local and international contacts.
David’s vision for students at WRCA is based on cultivating a culture rooted in Christian values, and he strongly believes ‘all students deserve a quality education’. He is committed to the belief that WRCA must reflect an emphasis on student learning where all decisions are based on developing a graduate prepared to meet many future challenges. As a committed Christian, he is excited about being part of a well-established and well-respected independent Christian school with strong Christian values, and his own beliefs are consistent with the core purpose and values of White Rock Christian Academy.
David graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia and holds a Masters of Education from Simon Fraser University. He is a lifelong member of the Salvation Army, has been actively involved in music ministry and mission projects throughout the world, including establishing ‘Teachers for Indonesia’, a project supporting education in that country. He is married to Nancy and has four married children and ten grandchildren.
Joel Slofstra brings a variety of experiences to WRCA. Over the last 25 years, he has taught as an Environmental Science Specialist with Grand Rapids Public Schools in Michigan, served as an Elementary School Principal in Christian schools in Ontario and is currently the Senior School Principal and Assistant Head of School at WRCA.
Joel strives to meet students where they are at with a conviction that they are all created uniquely in God’s image. He is committed to helping students reach their potential and explore their gifts in creative, innovative and thoughtful ways. Through collaboration and critical thinking, Joel, along with his senior school team, continue to develop the WRCA IB Programme to ensure we are offering a program that integrates faith development that is excellent and effective.
Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Calvin University and earned a Masters of Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University, both in Michigan. He has served on the Christian Principals Association of BC executive including in the role of Chair. He has also enjoyed doing education-related workshops both locally and internationally. Joel loves exploring Creation through hiking and canoeing adventures!
Joel and his wife just celebrated 25 years of marriage. They have three children who all have experience with WRCA education.
Gerry Goertzen comes to WRCA with more than 33 years of experience as an educator and leader in Christian education. His career has taken him to Hamamatsu, Japan, Prince George, Abbotsford, and White Rock.
Gerry’s vision for students at WRCA is to creatively encourage students’ development as godly citizens who will transform their world for Christ. He is committed to being an innovative thought-leader in IB education, utilizing creativity, excellence and an intentional integration of our Christian worldview into all aspects of programming. He loves puppets, music, technology, athletics, foursquare, camp, chess and sailing. He integrates as many of these passions into his leadership at WRCA as he can in one way or another!
Gerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia and holds a Masters of Educational Leadership from Trinity Western University. He has been chairperson of the BC Christian Principal’s Association, often leads worship with his guitar, has been a member of his church board and was the founding chairperson of Young Life East Fraser Committee. He has been married for 36 years, has three adult children (two nurses and a carpenter) and his wife teaches kindergarten at WRCA.
Sam’s Enrolment Management career began at Trinity Western University where he served in the Admissions Office, including three years as the Director of Admissions achieving record growth. He then moved into the Fundraising Department, and subsequently into Business Development where he was part of the new department’s strategy that resulted in $2M annually in partnerships for the university. After TWU, Sam worked at the Centre for Child Development as the VP for Individual and Strategic Giving, creating a fundraising strategy to benefit children with disabilities.
Sam has loved working at WRCA for the past 10+ years shaping the Enrolment, Operations and previously, Fundraising. With the profound impact WRCA has had on his whole family, Sam is an absolute believer in the unique partnership that a home and school should have to help our children/students flourish. This unique and critical relationship allows the home and school to grow and stretch reaching new heights as a community, together. Furthermore, he believes that independent schools such as WRCA play an important role in offering families educational options for their children that align with their own values, educational needs, and career plans.
Originally from Toronto, Sam is a die-hard fan of both the Toronto sports teams, as well as the San Francisco 49ers. Sam is married to his MUCH better half, Torie, whose teenage children have thrived at WRCA since Kindergarten. Sam has an Undergraduate degree in Business and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Business Leadership, both from Trinity Western University, a place still dear to his heart.
David Houston joined WRCA as the CFO in 2020. Prior to that he spent 5+ years on the Board of Directors. He has extensive management experience in overseeing complex business structures gained by over 20 years of international private banking. He holds a BSc in Biology from Augustana University and a diploma in International Trust Management from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Both of his children have White Rock Christian Academy experience, and he is actively involved in the community through a number of charities with a focus on our youth.
We are pleased to welcome Danielle Zonneveld to the Leadership Team as Senior School Assistant Principal, joining us at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Danielle’s educational journey has taken her across the globe, beginning in Ireland and extending to England, where she earned her teaching degree. She further honed her skills by teaching at an IB school in Singapore, gaining invaluable international experience. Danielle holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Mentorship from the University of The Fraser Valley, equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to guide and support students effectively.
Danielle is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the WRCA community as Senior School Assistant Principal and looks forward to continuing her service in nurturing students’ faith and character. Her personal vision for WRCA centers around nurturing students’ faith and purpose. Danielle believes in instilling values that guide students through life. In her role, which includes serving as the Biblical Foundations Coordinator, she is dedicated to fostering a strong connection between students and their faith in Jesus, emphasizing the incredible power and love of God.
Outside of her professional life, Danielle enjoys hiking and board games. She is a devoted parent to two wonderful children, with family being at the core of her values.
